refactor
Executes automated refactoring for specific files, directories, or semantic queries. This skill should be used when the user asks to refactor specific files or directories, simplify recently changed code, clean up dead code in a limited scope, or invokes "/refactor".
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/fradser/dotclaude --skill refactor- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads refactor automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Refactor Command
Execute automated refactoring for $ARGUMENTS using refactor:code-simplifier agent.
Pre-operation Checks
Goal: Ensure scope resolution is deterministic before launching the agent.
Actions:
- Run
git rev-parse --is-inside-work-treeand continue even if false when explicit paths are provided - Normalize arguments by trimming whitespace and preserving quoted path segments
- Treat an empty argument list as "recent changes" mode
Phase 1: Determine Target Scope
Goal: Identify files to refactor based on arguments or session context.
Actions:
- If arguments provided: verify as file/directory paths using Glob
- If paths exist: use them directly as refactoring scope
- If paths don't exist: treat arguments as semantic query, search codebase with Grep
- If no arguments: run
git diff --name-onlyto find recently modified code files - If no recent changes found: inform user and exit without refactoring
CRITICAL: Never include node_modules/, .git/, dist/, build/, lock files, or compiled artifacts in refactoring scope — use Grep --glob exclusions to enforce.
See references/scope-determination.md for search strategies and edge cases.
Phase 2: Launch Refactoring Agent
Goal: Execute refactor:code-simplifier agent with aggressive mode enabled.
Actions:
- Launch
refactor:code-simplifieragent with target scope and aggressive mode flag - Pass scope determination method (paths, semantic query, or session context)
- Agent auto-loads
refactor:best-practicesskill and applies language-specific patterns
See references/agent-configuration.md for detailed Task parameters.
Phase 3: Summary
Goal: Report comprehensive summary of changes.
Actions:
- Report total files refactored and changes categorized by improvement type
- List best practices applied and legacy code removed
- Suggest tests to run and provide rollback command tailored to actual scope (for example:
git restore --worktree --staged <files>)
See references/output-requirements.md for detailed summary format.
Requirements
- Execute immediately without user confirmation
- Refactor ALL matching files when semantic search returns multiple results
- Direct users to
/refactor-projectfor project-wide scope - Preserve behavior and public interfaces unless user explicitly requests a behavior change
FAQ
What does the refactor skill do?
Executes automated refactoring for specific files, directories, or semantic queries. This skill should be used when the user asks to refactor specific files or directories, simplify recently changed code, clean up dead code in a limited scope, or invokes "/refactor".
How do I install refactor?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/fradser/dotclaude --skill refactor in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/refactor/ (personal) or .claude/skills/refactor/ (project).
Which AI agents can use refactor?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is refactor safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains refactor?
It is published by fradser in fradser/dotclaude. It has 112 recorded installs.
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